7 good Windows hybrids that rival the Surface Pro 3

Good alternatives to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Microsoft recently unveiled the newest member of the Surface product line, the Surface Pro 3. The new tablet is bigger than earlier versions, and is available in various configurations.

The biggest change from early models, aside from the 12-inch display, is the availability of Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. The fastest processor turns the Surface Pro 3 into a real laptop replacement when paired with a keyboard cover.

The Surface Pro 3 ranges from $799 to $1,949 depending on the hardware configuration. The new Type Cover keyboard is an extra $129.99.

Surface Pro 3 configurations:

Processor

Intel Core i3, i5, i7

Display

12-inch (2,160 X 1,440)

Weight

800gm (1.76lbs)

Memory

4GB - 8GB

Storage

64GB - 512GB

Battery

9 hours

Price

$799 - $1,949

The Surface isn't the only Windows hybrid, a number of them have been on the market for some time. There are models with different screen sizes, and keyboards that are full laptop docks. We've searched the web and come up with the seven best alternatives to the Surface Pro 3. Only models with detachable screens and good keyboard options were considered.

Published: May 21, 2014 -- 10:55 GMT (03:55 PDT)

Caption by: James Kendrick

Lenovo ThinkPad 10

Lenovo has produced a business tablet worthy of the ThinkPad brand. The ThinkPad 10 is a tablet that coupled with the Ultrabook dock turns into a full laptop.

The high-resolution display has wide viewing angles, a must for a tablet. The light weight of the ThinkPad 10 makes it a very good tablet, and coupled with one of the optional keyboards it becomes a solid laptop replacement.

Dell Venue 11 Pro

The Dell Venue tablet line has a number of solid peformers. The Venue 11 Pro is a good compromise in size for both the tablet and laptop functions. It is unique among Windows hybrids in that the battery can be swapped on the go for limitless battery life.

HP Spectre x2

The Spectre is a business class tablet with a full laptop dock that turns it into a laptop replacement worthy of the mobile worker. The Spectre has surprisingly good battery life for such a large tablet.

Nokia Lumia 2520

The Nokia is the only hybrid in this collection running Windows RT. It is a good fit for those wanting a lightweight solution and is included in this collection for that reason. The hardware is well-built, typical for Nokia. It features integrated LTE connectivity for those on the go.

Samsung Ativ Smart PC Pro

The Smart PC Pro is a good tablet and a full laptop dock making it a good fit for the mobile professional. Performance is solid with the Core i5 processor but it takes its toll on the battery life. Overall a good choice for work and play.

The Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's latest entry to the tablet/hybrid space. It doesn't compete with tablets, it's more a laptop replacement device. These alternatives may be a better fit for some than the new Surface.

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Good alternatives to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Microsoft recently unveiled the newest member of the Surface product line, the Surface Pro 3. The new tablet is bigger than earlier versions, and is available in various configurations.

The biggest change from early models, aside from the 12-inch display, is the availability of Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. The fastest processor turns the Surface Pro 3 into a real laptop replacement when paired with a keyboard cover.

The Surface Pro 3 ranges from $799 to $1,949 depending on the hardware configuration. The new Type Cover keyboard is an extra $129.99.

Surface Pro 3 configurations:

Processor

Intel Core i3, i5, i7

Display

12-inch (2,160 X 1,440)

Weight

800gm (1.76lbs)

Memory

4GB - 8GB

Storage

64GB - 512GB

Battery

9 hours

Price

$799 - $1,949

The Surface isn't the only Windows hybrid, a number of them have been on the market for some time. There are models with different screen sizes, and keyboards that are full laptop docks. We've searched the web and come up with the seven best alternatives to the Surface Pro 3. Only models with detachable screens and good keyboard options were considered.